Meet The Parents Ch3
"Stephanie?" A white haired woman said in surprise as Nikki watched her girlfriend hug the woman who she assumed had to be her mother. "What are you doing here?"
I thought you called to say we were coming?" Nikki asked.
"I wanted it to be a surprise. So this is my mom, Linda. Mom, I'd like you to meet Nikki." Linda offered a handshake, which Nikki took without hesitating.
"It's so good to meet you finally. You're all Stephanie talks about when she calls. Not that she calls often enough." The small hint was clear to all.
"Yes mom, sorry mom. So where's Dad? Still at the office?"
Nikki saw the change on Linda's face. "Uh, yes, I mean no. Look Stephanie, you better come sit down." Linda took them all to a living room, and they all sat around a coffee table.
"Mom? What's going on?" Stephanie sounded scared."
"I didn't want to tell you like this Stephanie, but I'm going to come right out with it. The fact is, I'm divorcing your father."
"Divorce? But you've been married nearly 40 years?" On hearing that from her girlfriend, Nikki took Stephanie's hand and held it tight.
"Yes we were, but it has turned out he's been cheating. It's the one thing I can't accept, and it wasn't one thing, if you get my meaning."
"Mom, I don't get your meaning. Dad wouldn't do that, he loves you."
Linda took a breath. "Stephanie, I can tell you more, but do you really want to hear it? I'm not stopping you from having a relationship with your father."
"I need to know the truth, I'm a grown woman Mom." Stephanie said, defiantly.
"Ok, well I found out when the board of the company were informed it was alleged he'd been using company money to pay off female employees he was sleeping with. Three women have come forward that claimed they had all…. 'done things' with him and been paid to keep quiet. I didn't want to believe it, but he was suspended, and the investigation was damning. There's a report available that they have to make public for shareholders, but I want you to promise me you'll never read it. Promise me."
"Ok Mom, I promise." Stephanie said.
"Thank you. Using the company money like that was a poor decision, but I can't forgive him for sleeping around with several women, lying to me for so many years. I had to tell him to go. I have a lawyer, he's working on getting this sorted before the courts get hold of him." Linda explained.
"You don't have to explain to me Mom, he cheated on you. I never thought he would. Wait, which courts get to him first? Not the divorce court?"
"No, I don't want it to get to that, we are looking to settle this amicably, but he stole company money and faked financial records to cover his tracks. I'd rather they just fired him, but it's gone too far, he's probably going to be charged with embezzlement and fraud. He could go to prison, but I doubt it. His lawyers are too good. I'm glad they are criminal lawyers, not divorce ones, that's for sure." Linda had tried to make a joke, but Stephanie didn't even raise a smile, and Nikki was busy looking for somewhere else to be, feeling very uncomfortable. Linda quickly realised her error. "I'm sorry, this isn't funny, but it's been my life these last two months or so."
"Why didn't you tell me?" Stephanie was trying to stay calm, but he tone was cracking.
"I wanted to have facts, the investigations are still going on, he hasn't been charged, so it hasn't made any media impact, and divorce is nobody else's business. I was going to tell you when the time was right, but you arriving here made that time now."
"Do you want us to go?" Stephanie asked, not sure what answer was best.
"Of course not. I'm still happy to see you, and now I've told you what's going on, can we not talk about it anymore? Your bedroom is actually made up for you both, it's always ready. I assume Nikki won't need a guest room?"
"Mom!" Stephanie went a little red, but Nikki saw her try to fight a grin.
"What? Don't tell me you've gone shy?" Linda said, not kidding in the way she said it.
"No, of course I'm not, we've been together more than long enough that there's no need to be." Stephanie quickly changed her tune.
"Good, go get cleaned up from your journey, come find me when you're ready and I'll order Chinese food."
"Ah yes. The local place here is incredible, much better than ours." Stephanie told Nikki.
"Let's hurry, I'm starving." Nikki added, happy to be able to join the conversation with the change of subject. She ushered Stephanie towards the staircase, but as they went up, she looked back and saw Linda was giving her a look she didn't like. She didn't dare look back again.
"Are you ok?" Nikki asked Stephanie, not wanting to dwell on that look she received. They had both refreshed themselves and were changed out of their travel clothes.
"Not really." Stephanie replied, and went to hug her girlfriend, a movement that was quickly reciprocated. Nikki held tight as long as Stephanie held her back, until eventually she was let go.
"How could he do that? I swear when I get hold of him, I'll rip his balls off and feed them to him."
"Honey, he's your father, don't say that. I know he's screwed up, but we both know you still love him. He's going to have to pay for what he's done, with the divorce, the investigation, maybe the police. But would you stop loving him?"
"Probably not, but I hate him right now."
"I get that." Nikki said, taking Stephanie's hands and sitting them on the bed. "And you're entitled to. It's nearly unforgivable. But your Mom doesn't need their divorce dominating our visit, we are only here for a day, and so much happened in minutes of our arrival. Let's go have dinner, I can try this Chinese food you both say is so great, and we can get a good nights sleep, and tomorrow can be a much better day." Nikki stood up and was going to the door, but Stephanie pulled her back.
"I'm not like him you know. I'd never cheat on you."
Nikki went straight back and hugged Stephanie again. "Honey, I know that. I never ever thought that."
"And you'd never leave me, would you?" Nikki heard the voice crack and couldn't help but feel sad for Stephanie, but focused on her needs at that moment.
"Honey, like I've told you a thousand times. Never, ever, ever. It's you and me, no matter what happens."
"They were married more than 30 years Nicole. And look, it still just ended for them, like it was nothing. What's the point in marriage?" Stephanie threw her hands in the air, and Nikki grabbed one by the wrist.
"Stop, right there. You don't mean what you're saying, you're just freaked out, and like I said, you're allowed to be. But if you think you aren't marrying me one day, you are nuts. Now I know what you need." Stephanie perked up, with a look Nikki figured out right away. "No, not that. I'm getting us some hot milk. I'm sure your mom's kitchen has milk and cups. You just get comfy on the bed, I'm going to take care of you." Nikki leaned in and kissed her girl, lingering just long enough to to make sure Stephanie knew how she felt about her.
"Don't be too long." Stephanie asked as Nikki went to the door. She looked back and smiled before heading down the stairs, looking for the kitchen. She found it without much trouble, but it wasn't empty. Linda was in there fixing herself a drink. She jumped slightly, but noticeably, when they locked eyes.
"Oh, Nikki, I'm sorry, I didn't expect to see you. I was making tea, would you like some?"
"Thank you, but I was looking to make Stephanie some warm milk to help her sleep, would that be ok?"
"Of course, please make yourself at home, I hope you'll both visit often. It's a big house, and it's strange being here by myself, if you don't mind me saying."
"I understand. This can't have been easy for you." Nikki said as she poured milk into a pan, intentionally setting it on a low heat to take longer.
"It has been, but it was my decision, which makes it easier to process. But that's not my first concern right now. Tell me, how is my Stephanie?"
Nikki took a moment to answer, weighing up how to reply. She didn't want to lie, but didn't want to upset Linda. "She's, well, she's taking the news about how I'd expect. I wouldn't be happy to hear this about my father, or my parents splitting. She's been quiet, but questioning a lot of things."
"How you'd expect?" Linda asked. You've been with her for a while now Nikki, so I worry what that means, please be honest with me."
"Ok, I will." Nikki said. "She's devastated. She thinks if your marriage can't survive, then neither can anybody's. She was questioning the point of anyone getting married, and that really hurt me. She thought she had to make sure I knew she wouldn't cheat on me, and that's something I have never questioned, and I never will. She loves me so much, and I never have need to question it. I love her just as much, and I'm desperate for her to put a ring on my finger. But instead she asked me tonight if I was going to leave her, and it wasn't the first time she'd asked."
"Are you?" Linda asked, more bluntly than her previous tone.
"I just told you I want to marry her. No, I'm not going to leave her." Nikki didn't like the question, and was clear in her answer.
"Good, but I do have something I need to ask you. If you change your mind, please tell me first, so I can be ready to help Stephanie."
Nikki wasn't ready for that. "Tell you? What are you talking about."
"Nikki, since she was a little girl, my Stephanie has had severe abandonment issues. She lost her grandfather, my father in law, at a young age. She idolised him, and she couldn't understand why she couldn't go visit him. She thought he didn't want to see her anymore. She took it hard, and whenever people moved away, or passed on, anything like that, she took it hard, almost personally."
"She said she saw a therapist. Was that why?" Nikki asked, to a nod.
"It took a lot of work just to get her to go to college, and her move to Los Angeles after that was considered a breakthrough. But then she got serious with this girl Bayley, which of course didn't work out."
"I heard about Bayley, that was a terrible thing that happened."
"Terrible? Best thing that could have happened if you ask me." Linda scoffed as she spoke, shocking Nikki. She stood up.
"How can you say that? Losing her life to a drunk driver, it's senseless." Nikki was ready to sound off, but she saw Linda put her head in her hands.
"Nikki, Bayley isn't dead. She's in Chicago. She called me when she got there and told me she wasn't coming back, she'd packed as much of her stuff as she could fit in a case and left my baby girl for good. I don't have a lot of good things to say about my husband, but he did a great job. He tried to explain, but she didn't, or wouldn't believe him, in the end he told Stephanie she'd been killed, it proved to be the only thing that she was able to accept, but it took a real toll on her. She isn't good on her own." Nikki though back to the woman Stephanie was when they first met, and realised how true this all was.
Linda continued. "He then sent Bayley the rest of her stuff, along with a note telling her never to come back to LA. I hope she doesn't. But that's the past. I'm so glad to hear you talk about the idea of marrying her. I can't see my girl go through that heartbreak again. But I need you to promise me two things. One is that you never tell Stephanie about Bayley, and if you ever decide you have to leave, you have to tell me first, so I can make sure my daughter doesn't breakdown over you."
Nikki made sure to look Linda in the eye. "Linda, the only promise I can make is that I love her, and I'm not leaving her. Ever. You might have to tell her I'm dead, but only because I will be, that's the only way I'm going anywhere and I don't plan on it happening for a long time. I'm not sure you did the right thing here, but I wasn't there, and I know how bad she can get. I'm not going to reopen wounds like that and cause her more heartbreak than she's already had. We once broke up, for about an hour, because that anxiety hit, she got scared I'd leave her. I had to fight to show her that isn't happening, and I got her back. I'll fight to show you the same if I have to."
"You don't. I just needed to make sure you knew in case. Stephanie has had a lot of struggle with these issues in her life."
"And it ends with me. I will do anything for her. And right now, I really need to get back to her." Nikki said standing up and making the drinks with the now slightly overheated milk. Linda met her at the stove and hugged her.
"Just take care of her, and yourself at the same time. If you ever need advice, call me." She said. Nikki didn't respond verbally, just met her eye-line and nodded with a smile, before finishing their drinks and heading back to Stephanie's room.
All the way up the stairs and along to the door, Nikki wrestled with her feelings. It was clearly important to Linda not to tell Stephanie, but keeping a secret from her girlfriend turned Nikki's stomach. She remembered how cut up Stephanie had been talking about what she thought happened, but the many pictures in the house all disappeared pretty quickly once they got together, without Nikki even asking for it. That reminded Nikki how loved she was when she saw Stephanie lying on the bed in a cropped top and shorts, looking out of the window, probably ready to sleep. She looked over as soon as she heard the door open, smiling the smile that got Nikki weak at the knees and hot under the collar all at once. She laid next to her, leaned over and kissed Stephanie deeply.
"Mmm. My favourite. You were a while." Stephanie asked without asking.
"Yeah, your mom was up still, we talked a while."
"What about?" Stephanie asked instantly.
"What else?" Nikki replied with another kiss. "You."
"Did you get the "don't hurt her" speech? Stephanie asked, jokingly.
"Sort of, she's never not going to worry about you, but she was worried after hearing such horrible news. How are you anyway?" Nikki wanted to know, but was also happy to change the subject.
"I'm ok. I really want to talk to my Dad, but I don't think that's a good idea maybe."
"Not with all of this going on. I get you want answers, but so do a lot of people. Maybe be careful what news you read, and don't Google him might now. It will only upset you." Nikki got in close and held her girl while she said this, trying to be supportive.
"Thanks babe. I'm so lucky I've got you to keep me in check." Stephanie cooed as she nuzzled back against her.
"Always. You'd never let me go, would you, wouldn't want to find someone better?" Nikki put one hand to her mouth, wishing she hadn't said that as soon as she did.
"Better? Of course not, there's nobody better. I could scour the planet, and all roads would lead back to you. I love you, you are all mine, and that's never changing."
Nikki couldn't help herself, she started kissing Stephanie all over her face, head, and neck. She was going fast and hard, desperate to show Stephanie what she meant to her. Her hand found it's way up her lovers top, she was glad Stephanie was wearing such a loose one, and she began to massage her breasts, switching between them every few kisses.
Stephanie was struck dumb, sexual energy growing in her. A lot of the time in this situation, she felt the urge to take control, wanting to get her partner into an inescapable situation, and enjoy her favourite activity. but she could also read Nikki like a book, and she could tell that what was happening was happening for a reason, that Nikki really needed to take the lead right now. She wasn't sure why, if it was just to try and make her feel better, or of there was more to it, but in the moment, she found it hard to care. The love of her life was giving her the attention she craved, and it was exquisite.
"Tell me again." Nikki whispered between kisses.
"I love you Nicole, you are all mine." Stephanie replied, concerned for Nikki but unable to focus on anything but the fact Nikki's hand was wandering south, into her pyjama shorts. Nikki growled when she found Stephanie had kept underwear on, and aggressively pulled them out of her way, which Stephanie would admit she loved. She gasped as she felt Nikki's fingers enter her again and again and again. She knew that her girl knew exactly what she liked in bad, she didn't need any help to make her scream, but she was doing it slowly, and she knew that was because neither of them wanted to make their activity known to the other occupant of the house at that moment. She laid her head back and let Nikki continue with her slow, smooth movements, every one setting her body on fire. When she felt her clit being teased at the same time, she knew she wasn't going to last too long.
Nikki held her lover with her other arm, as she slid her fingers inside Stephanie slowly, again and again. She held her, feeling her squirm and fidget in pleasure. They weren't violent movements, but she didn't intend them to be either. It was about making her feel good, letting her feel loved at the same time as pleasure. In the same way Stephanie was gasping and moaning, but it was quiet and relaxed, which told Nikki that she was certainly enjoying herself. She didn't even need to be quiet, the house was too big for the sound to carry to the other end of it, where her mother slept soundly.
Despite the change in style, Nikki still knew her girl's body, and several minutes later, could tell that she was close to an orgasm. She just needed that little extra push over the edge. She sped up her movements and started kissing her neck, knowing that it would render Stephanie powerless. "Nikki…" Stephanie was just able to get out, barely above a whisper as her back arched and Nikki felt her hand be coated in fluid. Stephanie relaxed slowly as Nikki brought her back down slowly, and spooned her, not saying a word. For her, this was a special moment, and just reaffirmed one more time, how she really was the one. "You really are fucking perfect." She whispered, all she could manage.
"I know. Love you." Nikki kissed Stephanie on the top of her head and laid her down on the bed, keeping an arm over her until seconds later she was asleep.
The next morning, all talk of the previous nights revelations was put aside, and Nikki had a good morning getting to know Linda. She saw the bond Stephanie had with her mother was similar to hers with her own family, and she seemed to have created her own bond to her girlfriends mother. The secret she had been told was in the back of her mind, but she didn't have any desire to break such a confidence, nor did she want to give Stephanie any ideas about going to find her ex. She was 99% certain it wouldn't make any difference, but decided the best thing that she could was forget she was ever told.
As they said their goodbyes that evening, Linda gave Nikki a look to reaffirm that she had nothing to worry about, which was returned. "You look after her." She said to Nikki.
"I will, I promise." Nikki said sincerely.
"And Stephanie, you better look after her too. She's a keeper. The best thing I've ever seen happen to you."
"I know Mom, and she really is." Stephanie kissed Nikki before giving her mother one last hug. They then headed to the car.
"Your mom is a strong woman honey, don't worry." Nikki said after a while driving.
"She is. They've both always been very decisive, will take quick action when it's needed, but they've always been on the same side. I'm not looking forward to what's going to happen between them. No way this divorce doesn't get ugly." Stephanie sighed.
"But I thought she said they were looking to keep it out of court?" Nikki asked.
"She did, and she might like to, but she also isn't going to back down, and nor will he. It will end up in court, I have no doubt. Might take a long time, especially if he is in this much trouble with these charges. All I've figured out is I want us to go on vacation when it gets to court. Out of the country somewhere. So start thinking where you would like to go."
Nikki loved the idea of a vacation with her love. "That sounds amazing Steph. I don't mind where, but I'm thinking lying on a Caribbean beach somewhere. Loungers, waiters bringing us cocktails on demand, and you in the smallest bikini they sell."
"Second smallest." Stephanie said. Both of them knew her intent. "I've never had sex on the beach, but I'm not against it." The two looked at each other lustfully. "Am I going to have to pull this thing over?" Stephanie asked.
"No, we aren't too far from home. Next time though, wear a shorter dress when you're driving, maybe I can give you a repeat of last night?" Stephanie had to really concentrate, those words nearly had her swerving, she wanted it so badly. She checked her mirrors and if there wasn't a police car a few cars back on the freeway, she'd have hit the gas right then and there. It meant the trip back took longer than either of them wanted it to, but just built their desires further.
"I'm returning the favour from last night the second we get in that house." Stephanie said as they turned onto their street.
"After a long car ride, I was going to suggest it called for a long shower." Nikki said as their house came into view. "Wait, what the hell?"
"Who is that?" Stephanie asked, unable to see in the dark as she turned off the car, the two of them getting out quickly as the figure in the darkness stood up, having been sat on their stoop.
"Charlotte?" Stephanie exclaimed, the identity of the person now obvious as she nodded. Now her face was visible, so was the fact that she looked terrible, it was clear she has been crying. "How long have you been here?"
"About seven hours. I'm sorry, I had nowhere else to go." Charlotte whimpered, clearly upset.
"Why? What's going on?" It was Nikki's turn to ask a question.
"AJ, he told me to go. Had to pack my bags and get out." Charlotte was barely able to speak. "He, he wants a divorce. My marriage is over."
"Oh sweetie." Stephanie hugged their friend and Nikki saw Charlotte hold her tight as she started crying again. She then did the same and was also hugged just as tight.
"I don't want to impose, but I don't have anyone else to ask. Could….could I stay here for a while, just until I'm back on my feet?"
"Of course. As long as you need. The basement is all we have though. It's not much, but it's got a bed, storage and a bathroom." Stephanie said.
"That's great, thank you both so much." Charlotte hugged them both again briefly.
"Let's get you something to eat and drink." Nikki suggested while Stephanie grabbed Charlottes cases, which were by the door. Nikki and Stephanie looked at each other, knowing their plans for the evening were off.
"Later?" Nikki whispered.
"I'll wait all night for you." Stephanie smiled as they all went in the house.
A.N.: Thanks for reading.
So a big revelation. Stephanie's ex isn't dead as she originally told Nikki. Should Nikki keep her promise and forget she was ever told anything, or should she come clean?
What's going to happen to Charlotte now? That's going to be explored next time. See you there.